1. Challenge:
TASK: using the specification as guidance, write down a short paragraph explaining what you think Calvin’s view of predestination is.
CHALLENGE: compare what you already know about Augustine and Calvin’s views on predestination.
4 minutes

2. Key Terms: Elect Reprobate Atonement
Those who have been predestined to be saved.
Elect
Those who have been predestined to be damned.
Reprobate
Refers to the forgiving or pardoning of sin. This is achieved through the suffering, death and resurrection of Jesus, enabling the reconciliation between God and his creation.
Atonement

3. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
TASK: watch the video and answer the questions in the booklet.
Secondly, candidates need to understand John Calvin’s Doctrine of Election. They need to appreciate that Calvin believed that due
to ‘the fall’ the nature of humanity has been irreversibly corrupted. Therefore, because God has absolute power He divides all humanity into two predestined groups: the Elect and the Reprobates. Calvin also argued that God chooses the elect purely through His own will (unconditional election), that Christ's death and atonement for our sins was for the elect only (limited atonement), the elect cannot resist the calling of God (irresistible grace) and the elect cannot commit apostasy (perseverance of the Elect).

4. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
God’s omnipotence, God’s election and humans’ nature as damned.
He did not accept free will as all humans have been predestined.
Calvinist Fatalism.
Humans are depraved as a result of original sin and can achieve nothing through our own merits.

5. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
God has exercised his sovereignty and chosen his elect for salvation.
Before birth.
The elect cannot fail to be saved.
God causes people to believe or not to believe.
Those who have remained with Jesus Christ as the rest of humanity (The Reprobates) fall away and are damned.

6. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
There would be no difference between the believer and the non-believer. In order to maintain God’s just nature, we must be judged on our faith. It is not a requirement of God to make salvation available.
This would imply that we are co-authors of life, putting us on par with God. This takes away from his omnipotence.

7. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
At death. It is a divine mystery.
T – total depravity.
U – unconditional election.
L – limited atonement.
I – irresistible grace.
P – perseverance of the saints.

8. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
TASK: read the information on Calvinism on pages 9 and 10. Complete the tasks on pages 11, 12 and 13.
EXTENSION: take one of the quotes and create a drawing in your notes to help you remember the quote.
20 minutes

9. Calvin’s Predestination
Fill in the gaps on the paragraph

10. Calvin’s Predestination
Candidates need to understand John Calvin’s Doctrine of ……………….... They need to appreciate that Calvin believed that due to …………….. …………………. the nature of humanity has been irreversibly ………………………... Therefore, because God has absolute power He divides all humanity into two predestined groups: the Elect and the ………………… Calvin also argued that God chooses the elect purely through His own ……………….. (unconditional election), that Christ's death and ………………………… for our sins was for the elect only (……………………. atonement), the elect cannot resist the calling of God (irresistible grace) and the elect cannot commit apostasy (perseverance of the Elect).
The Fall
corrupted
Reprobates
will
atonement
limited

11. What are the similarities and differences between Calvin and Augustine?
TASK: Read the summary sheet and fill in the missing words
Create a Venn Diagram/ or table to compare and contrast the Calvinist and Augustinian theories on predestination.
‘Religious believers should accept Calvinist views on predestination rather than Augustine’s.’ .

12. Explain Augustine’s and John Calvin’s understanding of predestination
TASK: in pairs, create a list of points that could be included in this question.
CHALLENGE: begin to put together evidence and explanations to support your notes.
5 minutes

13. P OINT E XAMPLE/QUOTE E XPLAIN L INK TO THE QUESTION
Explain Augustine’s and John Calvin’s understanding of predestination. (20)
Self assess your essay plans
Check each paragraph – does it contain?
P OINT
E XAMPLE/QUOTE
E XPLAIN
L INK TO THE QUESTION
3 minutes

14. Explain Augustine’s and John Calvin’s understanding of predestination
Swap your essay plan with another students plan.
How can they be improved?
3 minutes
P OINT
E XAMPLE/QUOTE
E XPLAIN
L INK TO THE QUESTION

15. What does Calvin believe about predestination?
DIL
Read John Calvin's Doctrine of Election by Rev. Bryn MacPhail (on my website
Make notes using the specification as guidance.
Read the sample answer.
Write an essay plan for the AO1 question - Explain Augustine’s and John Calvin’s understanding of predestination. (20)
CHALLENGE: listen to the BBC Radio In Our Time programme on Calvinism. Make notes.

16. Let’s hear your responses

18. AO2 Issues
 A consideration of whether religious believers should accept predestination.  The extent to which God predestines humanity.

19. A consideration of whether religious believers should accept predestination.
Why would religious believers accept predestination?
If it was credible
Religious texts support it
Theological support e.g. Augustine and Calvin
Historical acceptance e.g. Councils of Carthage and Dort (accepted TULIP)
Monotheistic ideas about God
2. Why would religious believers reject predestination?
If religious texts opposed it
Theological support for Free Will (we will study this later) e.g. Pelagius and Arminius
Historical acceptance e.g. Methodist Church

20. The extent to which God predestines humanity.
To a large extent
To a lesser extent
Religious texts (as previously) Theological arguments and historical support
Religious texts – Job 14:5 omniscient God, Free Will John 8:36 ‘If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed’. Theological arguments and historical support. Augustine – humanity born with Free Will (soft determinism)
Conclusion

21. Evaluating predestination
For pre destinination
Point
Against predestination
Credible
Bible
Theologians
Historical acceptance
Concepts of God